Genetic improvement for smarter pulses: Need of the hour

Abstract

With more than 31 years’ experience in research and management, Dr N P Singh is a pioneer in integrating biotechnological tools for pulses improvement in the country. He started his research career as a plant breeder in ICAR-IIPR in 1987, joined as Project Coordinator, AICRP-Chickpea in 2007 and is now leading the Indian Institute of Pulses Research as Director since 2014. Dr Singh has to his credit 14 varieties in different pulses, the first draft chickpea genome, the MAB product for Fusarium wilt resistance (Foc race 2) and drought tolerance in chickpea and the Seed Hub programme of the nation to name a few. Dr Singh developed several ideas, concepts and processes which are appreciated worldwide and attracted funds. Development of extra-large seeded kabuli chickpea varieties (which transformed the country from net importer to net exporter of premier quality product), development of extra short duration (52-55 days maturity) mungbean (which brought substantial area of mungbean under summer fallows in Indo-gangetic plain), and application of molybdenum in soybean-chickpea system (for sustainability of system by enhancing Biological Nitrogen Fixation in Central India including Maharashtra) are few examples. His vision and efforts have been ground breaking and have aided to bring the nation to achieve self-sufficiency in pulses production. He is recipient of numerous national and international awards.